Padres reach deal with pitcher Josh Johnson

November 20, 2013

Free-agent pitcher Josh Johnson agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract with the San Diego Padres, ESPN.com reported.

Johnson was in San Diego on Tuesday for a physical. The deal, which according to reports is guaranteed and includes $1.25 million in additional performance bonuses for 26 starts next season, was expected to be finalized on Wednesday.

Because the Blue Jays did not extend a qualifying offer to Johnson, the Padres will not have to give up a compensatory draft pick.

The 29-year-old right-hander battled through injury problems in 2013 with the Toronto Blue Jays. He finished the season with a 2-8 record and a 6.20 ERA.

In nine major league seasons with the Blue Jays and Miami Marlins, Johnson has a 58-45 record with a 3.40 ERA.

According to reports, the San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals also showed interested in signing Johnson, but he narrowed his choices to the Padres and Giants.